Braintree Storm Center: Business Updates, High Tide Flood Warning

Friday, Jan. 3

10:05 a.m.

An update from Mayor Sullivan on how Braintree has fared so far with the storm: http://goo.gl/ROuho4

9:45 a.m.

The National Weather Service is warning South Shore communities of possible moderate to heavy flooding at high tide midday on Friday. See more here. 

8 a.m.

The town says that there should be no trash pickup delays due to the storm, but keep in mind that because of the holiday this week, trash pickup has been pushed back one day.

Braintree Emergency Management Agency says on Twitter: "During snow plow operations, phone lines @ the Highway Department get very busy. Please use Hotline with question or concern (781) 794-8965."

The South Shore Plaza will open at 10 a.m. Friday. The mall says on Facebook:

"Individual stores may choose to open late. 

"AS A REMINDER: The decision to open is up to each store's ownership and/or management. We encourage store employees to check with their Store Managers and District Managers regarding their stores plans to open.

"MANAGERS: If your store plans to operate under different hours, please feel free to communicate this by commenting below.

"CUSTOMERS: You may want to check with individual stores that you care to visit to see if they're open."

Thursday, Jan. 2

11 p.m.

Town Hall, Thayer Public Library and all public buildings will be closed Friday, Mayor Joseph Sullivan said. That also includes Pond Street offices, the recreation building on Quincy Avenue and the Senior Center.

"It's a pretty intense storm we're getting," Sullivan said Thursday night. "It's turning into whiteout conditions right now."

The mayor said Braintree is now expecting a total of 18-24 inches and that he will provide further updates Friday morning.

9 p.m.

Snow accumulation in Braintree had reached 6.5 inches by 6:45 p.m. Thursday, according to an unofficial by-town list posted by the National Weather Service.

The service is predicting strong winds overnight, up to 34-mile-per-hour gusts, and a nighttime snow accumulation in Braintree of six to 10 inches.

Snow to taper off by 1 p.m. Friday in Braintree, the NWS said. Strong winds remain throughout the day. Additional accumulation early Friday of three to five inches possible.

2:05 p.m.

Town Hall and all non-emergency public buildings in Braintree will close at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Share your snow photos with Braintree Patch: http://goo.gl/DxWK2o

Update from the South Shore Plaza on its plans:

"We ask that each store employee work with their own store managers and corporate office regarding their stores plans to close early. More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available."

1:15 p.m.

Braintree has accumulated two inches of snow so far today, according to a running tally by CBS Local posted just after 1 p.m.

Gov. Deval Patrick is advising business owners to send their workers home early, and said that the MBTA and highways will remain open through the storm. More at http://goo.gl/VXALAq

10:52 a.m.

Braintree's two-day on-street parking ban begins in a little more than an hour, at 12 p.m. Thursday, and lasts until 12 p.m. Saturday.

"We are closely monitoring the winter storm, including any warnings issued by local authorities. At this time, South Shore Plaza is open and operating under its regular business hours. Should that change, more information will be posted as soon as it becomes available."

"B.A.S.E. WILL BE CLOSING AT 4PM TODAY. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COME EARLIER. THE DRIVING IS NOT GOOD AND WE WOULD LIKE OUR STAFF AS WELL OUR FAMILIES TO GET HOME SAFELY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING."

7:30 a.m.

So far, Braintree has closed its schools on Thursday and Friday, postponed all after-school activities, declared a snow emergency banning on-street parking through Saturday at noon, and delayed the swearing-in of town officials.

Blue Hills Regional has also closed Thursday.

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See a tree down next door? See a flooded road? Please use this story on Braintree Patch to help communite with your community and neighbors.
 
As we hunker down to ride out the two-day storm, we want to make sure that Braintree stays connected. 

For live updates during the storm, be sure to download our App for your smartphone or tablet and 'like' Braintree Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

As you use social media, we’ll make sure the information is added to this central article. If you see damaged wires or a tree down, please alert authorities and then let us know so we can help as well. You can comment below or email joseph.markman@patch.com.

Important numbers and websites:

• In an emergency, dial 911
• Police Department: 781-794-8600
• Fire Department: 781-843-3600
• DPW: 781-843-8097
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)
• BELD: 781-348-2353
• Braintree Emergency Management Agency: 781-794-8188
• MBTA Service updates